Corzine concedes race, congratulates winner

EAST BRUNSWICK — Gov. Jon S. Corzine lost re-election last night
with about 45 percent of New Jersey voters to Republican challenger
Chris Christie.

Christie, a federal prosecutor, won with about 49 percent of the
vote, according to reported election results.

"From the Delaware to the Jersey Shore … it has been an
incredible, incredible journey, and I am grateful to all New Jersey
for that," Corzine said.

In the state's democratic election party at the East Brunswick
Hilton, he said he called Christie to congratulate him on becoming
New Jersey's next governor.

Photo: Ramon Dompor

Despite spending double the amount Governor-elect Chris Christie
during the campaign, Gov. Jon S. Corzine loses re-election with 44
percent of the vote. Corzine, at his concession speech, thanks
Independent candidate Chris Daggett, who loses with 5.5 percent of
the vote, for helping to bring focus and clarity to the
election.

Photo: Ramon Dompor

Photo: Ramon Dompor

Photo: Ramon Dompor

Photo: Ramon Dompor

Photo: Ramon Dompor

"I want you to know that Chris was gracious in his response, and
we will work hard together to make sure the transition is smooth
and do everything that will serve the people of this state,"
Corzine said.

He said serving as governor and U.S. senator of New Jersey was
an unimaginable joy.

"For citizens of this great state, this is a moment where there
is some little sadness, but I must tell you, I have never been more
honored," Corzine said, as serving as a U.S. senator and governor
has been a joy he never imagined.

His administration had seen tough times, but he made a
difference in people's lives, Corzine said. He is proud of them and
all those who worked tirelessly on his campaign.

Corzine thanked Independent candidate Chris Daggett for making
the campaign a clear and focused race.

Lt. Governor Candidate Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen,
expressed her gratitude for the hard work of the party throughout
the past year.

"There is not one minute of this that I would ever trade in,"
Weinberg said. "This was the most incredible journey. The people of
New Jersey are wonderful. Our Democratic Party is awesome, and we
have the most awesome state chair in the world in Joseph
Pride."

The state and nation's worst economic recession since the Great
Depression and the failed policies of the Bush administration did
not resonate well with New Jersey voters, said U.S. Sen. Robert
Menendez, D-NJ.

"[Corzine] can't do anything about that at all, yet he faces the
consequences of it and there's voter anger, and understandably so,"
he said. "People have either lost their jobs, had somebody in their
family lose their job or are anxious about their company keeping
their job."

Despite Corzine's loss, Menendez said the former governor
clearly communicated his message throughout his campaign.

"How many states can you go and say, ‘I cut the budget $5
billion from when I took office and yet raised education funding?'"
Menendez said.

The former governor also was the first in the nation to create
his own in-state stimulus package to get citizens back to work, the
senator said. Corzine lobbied and testified for the national
stimulus package as well.

"He positioned the state to be ready to take advantage of what
was being proposed in Congress," Menendez said. "He pointed us in
the right direction. That's the best you can do."

But at the end of the day, Menendez said the failed policies of
the Bush administration and the national crisis were out of the
governor's hands.

Rep. Steve Rothman said Corzine came into office with huge
obstacles, but he should be considered one of the best in the
state's history.

"He made a lot of good decisions, but ultimately, I think the
people of New Jersey were looking for a new energy," Rothman
said.

While New Jersey is mainly a Democratic state, Rothman said they
are willing to give Christie a chance to tackle the financial
crisis.

Although the Corzine campaign brought national Democratic
leaders such as President Barack Obama to the state, this was a
local race, Rothman said.

"This had to do with how New Jerseyans are feeling about the
problems we face here, and it was clear that not all of the Obama
supporters came out to vote," he said.

He wished Christie well in office on behalf of both Democratic
and Republican Congress members.

School of Arts and Sciences junior Art Nevins was a field
operator for the Corzine campaign, going door-to-door to spread the
word.

"I think it will be bad for the state because the state's mostly
Democratic, so it's a poor decision for the state to support
Christie because it's contrary to what [voters] mainly believe in,
and they'll be angry in four years," Nevins said.